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Station guide · NY, USA

New York Penn Station and Moynihan Train Hall

New York Penn Station and the connected Moynihan Train Hall serve as the busiest Amtrak hub in the country, offering connections across the Northeast and long-distance routes nationwide.

By USA by Rail editors · Last checked October 2026 · How we research

Station
New York Penn Station and Moynihan Train Hall
City
New York, NY
Code
NYP
Routes
16

At a glance

  • Amtrak uses Penn Station and the connected Moynihan Train Hall, opened in 2021 across Eighth Avenue
  • Under Madison Square Garden in Midtown Manhattan, with subway lines and NJ Transit and Long Island Rail Road trains
  • Busiest Amtrak station in the country
  • Grand Central Terminal is a separate station for Metro-North commuter trains

New York Penn Station and Moynihan Train Hall form the busiest Amtrak station in the country. Amtrak uses both the older Penn Station and the newer Moynihan Train Hall, which opened in 2021 just across Eighth Avenue. This massive transit complex sits directly under Madison Square Garden in Midtown Manhattan. It serves as a major hub for the Northeast Corridor and a starting point for long-distance journeys across the United States and into Canada. Travelers can easily connect to local subway lines as well as commuter rail services. Keep in mind that Grand Central Terminal is a separate station handling Metro-North commuter trains.

Trains from New York

TrainBetweenRuns
Silver StarNew York to MiamiSuspended as a separate train since November 2024
Lake Shore LimitedChicago to New York and BostonDaily in each direction
CardinalNew York to ChicagoThree times a week in each direction
CrescentNew York to New OrleansDaily in each direction
Silver MeteorNew York to MiamiDaily in each direction
PalmettoNew York to SavannahDaily in each direction, daytime
CarolinianNew York to CharlotteDaily in each direction
PennsylvanianNew York to PittsburghDaily in each direction
Keystone ServiceNew York to HarrisburgMany trains a day
AcelaBoston to Washington, DCFrequent trains every day
Northeast RegionalBoston to Richmond and Norfolk and Newport News and RoanokeMany trains a day
VermonterSt. Albans to Washington, DCDaily in each direction
Ethan Allen ExpressNew York to BurlingtonDaily in each direction
AdirondackNew York to MontrealDaily in each direction
Maple LeafNew York to TorontoDaily in each direction
Empire ServiceNew York to Niagara FallsMany trains a day to Albany, fewer continue west

Numerous Amtrak routes call at New York. The high-speed Acela and the Northeast Regional provide frequent daily service along the Northeast Corridor. For trips to upstate New York, you can take the Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Adirondack or the Maple Leaf. Long-distance overnight trains also depart from here. The Lake Shore Limited runs daily to Chicago, while the Cardinal operates three times a week. Southern routes include the Crescent to New Orleans and the Silver Meteor to Miami. The Silver Star is suspended as a separate train since November 2024. Daytime trains heading south include the Palmetto and the Carolinian. The Pennsylvanian and Keystone Service run west into Pennsylvania.

Getting to and from the station

The station complex is located under Madison Square Garden in Midtown Manhattan. Moynihan Train Hall sits directly across Eighth Avenue from the older Penn Station concourses. The facility offers extensive local transit connections. Passengers can transfer to multiple subway lines right at the station. You can also connect to regional commuter trains operated by NJ Transit and the Long Island Rail Road. If you are connecting to Metro-North commuter trains, you will need to travel to Grand Central Terminal, which is a separate station. Always allow plenty of time to navigate the large concourses and check local transit websites for the latest schedules.

Around the station

The station is situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Madison Square Garden sits directly above the older Penn Station concourses. The surrounding area is densely packed with hotels, restaurants and retail stores. Because the complex is centrally located, many major Manhattan landmarks are within walking distance or a short subway ride away. Moynihan Train Hall is located just across Eighth Avenue, expanding the footprint of the transit hub further west. If you have a long layover, the Midtown neighborhood offers plenty of dining options before you board your train.

Station tips

  • Arrive early to navigate the large complex and find your departure track.
  • Check the departure boards carefully, as trains may board from either the Moynihan Train Hall or the older Penn Station concourses.
  • Read the Amtrak and VIA booking tips before securing your tickets for long-distance routes.
  • Review the luggage rules on Amtrak and VIA to ensure your bags meet the size requirements.

Popular trips from New York

Questions travellers ask

How long does the train take from New York to Chicago?

The Lake Shore Limited takes about 19 hours to travel from Chicago to New York. The Cardinal also travels between the two cities but takes a longer southern route, requiring about 26 to 28 hours end to end.

Are there direct trains from New York to Canada?

Yes, Amtrak operates two daily routes to Canada from New York. The Adirondack travels from New York to Montreal in about 10 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours. The Maple Leaf runs from New York to Toronto in about 12 to 13 hours.

How long is the train ride to Washington, DC?

The journey from New York to Washington, DC takes about 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours. The high-speed Acela is generally the fastest option, while the Northeast Regional takes slightly longer but operates more frequently.